Approach

Comprehensive & Transparent

GCI’s approach is centered on thoroughness, sophistication, creativity, and integrity. 

Investigative research entails following up on leads, identifying hard-to-find sources, carefully reviewing documents, and applying thoughtful analysis. While scopes of work may vary, GCI’s commitment to comprehensiveness is always paramount.  

GCI explains its methods to clients without hesitation, and all reporting is clearly sourced. All work is performed in line with industry standards and best practices. Our approach is characterized by:

  • Comprehensive research that leaves no stone unturned and no detail overlooked

  • Accurate and unbiased reporting that clearly lays out the relevant facts

  • Sophisticated analysis and research methodologies

  • Customized offerings that suit the particular needs of each client and project

  • Ethical approach aligned with legal standards and industry best practices

  • Confidentiality, discretion, and robust data security protections

  • Professional service that is responsive, transparent, and hassle-free

GCI’s Differentiators

  • The talent and experience of our hand-picked, close-knit investigative team

  • Our structure as a completely independent, boutique firm

  • Our undiluted focus on investigations and intelligence

  • Our strategy of maintaining long-term, trust-based relationships with clients

  • Unique capabilities that combine human source intelligence (HUMINT) with traditional public records and media research, along with open-source intelligence (OSINT)

Answers, not just “findings”

Research reports that outline findings without further examination can leave clients feeling like they have not received truly actionable intelligence. GCI believes in going further.

GCI applies an analytical lens to findings, helping clients understand what the records mean in the broader context of the engagement, while also developing creative approaches to gathering new intelligence and insights that fill in the gaps. 

Global coverage

GCI conducts research globally and is especially capable at handling cross-border assignments. GCI’s in-house team has extensive international affairs education and experience, and GCI maintains a global network of local partners who stand ready to provide any necessary support in jurisdictions where an on-the-ground presence is needed. 


To date, most of our research projects have focused on the Americas, the Middle East, and Europe.

GCI’s research methods

GCI employs techniques from multiple disciplines to deliver reliable intelligence:

Human-source intelligence (HUMINT)

GCI conducts in-depth interviews with knowledgeable human sources, typically discussing the track record, reputation, and characteristics of individuals and companies. In applicable jurisdictions, GCI’s HUMINT work is done entirely in-house. 

For typical projects, interviews are conducted with strict anonymity. Interviewees speak openly and honestly with the full assurance that GCI will protect their identity. 

In the context of due diligence, these interviews are often called back-channel reference checks, and they are especially crucial for understanding the real track record and reputation of individuals and companies involved in proposed business transactions. 

Public records research

Public records include corporate filings, civil litigation cases, criminal records, bankruptcy petitions, judgment and lien filings, regulatory disclosures, property and land records, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) documents, and more. With a focus on thoroughness, GCI’s online and on-site research uncovers hard-to-find records that might be missed with a hurried or surface-level approach. 

Media and open web research

GCI goes far beyond summarizing derogatory news articles. We scour the open web and multiple media databases with an investigative lens. Companies and individuals have become adept at manipulating their online presence, removing unflattering stories and creating the impression of success and positivity.

GCI’s team examines what is reported, what is missing, and what is being distorted. The most significant intelligence is often derived from fundamentals such as conducting exhaustive research, applying critical thinking, and following up on anything that feels ‘off.’

Advanced social media and open-source intelligence (OSINT)

GCI is adept at locating relevant social media profiles and carefully reviewing activity to identify undisclosed relationships, controversial posts, or other findings of interest. Standard social media searches may fail to locate profiles that use partial or fake names, but GCI leverages the latest OSINT techniques and tools, along with deep web and dark web research.

By examining web domain registrations, archived web pages, data breach records, photographs, and more, GCI uncovers every trace of internet activity that can be found - often leading to unexpected results.